Travel Documentation for Dogs and Cats
Whether you’re road-tripping across the country, flying home for the holidays, or relocating internationally, traveling with your dog or cat takes a little extra paperwork — and the rules vary depending on where you’re headed. At Baxter Creek Veterinary Clinic, our USDA-accredited veterinarians can issue the official pet health certificates you need to travel confidently, with all the documentation in order.
For the most current destination-specific requirements, please check the USDA APHIS Pet Travel website, which is the official resource for domestic and international pet travel guidelines. We recommend starting the process well in advance — especially for destinations with rabies titer testing or other multi-step requirements.
What Is a Pet Health Certificate?
A pet health certificate — formally known as a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) — is an official document confirming that your pet has been examined by a licensed, USDA-accredited veterinarian and is healthy, free of contagious disease, and up to date on the required vaccinations for travel.
You’ll typically need one for:
- Air travel, both domestic and international
- Crossing state lines or international borders
- Relocating with your pet
- Boarding facilities, shows, or breeding purposes
Our Pet Travel Process
Step 1: Schedule Early
Travel certificates often have strict timing requirements, especially for international destinations. We recommend reaching out as soon as your trip is on the calendar so we can plan accordingly.
Step 2: Health Exam and Documentation Review
Your pet will receive a thorough physical exam, and we’ll review their vaccination history, parasite prevention records, and identification details (including microchip information, if required for your destination).
Step 3: Certificate Issuance
Once all requirements are met, we’ll issue your official USDA-accredited health certificate and make sure you have all the paperwork your airline, destination, or regulatory agency requires.
International Pet Travel
Available to select established clients, our international pet travel service helps families navigate the often-complex requirements of traveling abroad with their pets. Different countries have unique vaccination, testing, waiting period, and documentation requirements. Our team is experienced in navigating these regulations and will help you understand exactly what’s needed for a smooth journey.
Schedule Your Pet’s Travel Exam
Ready to plan your trip? Call (406) 587-5537 or book an appointment online with Baxter Creek Veterinary Clinic in Bozeman, MT to schedule your pet health certificate appointment.